Leaving The Valley

In Episode 63:  Showing Up to a Suicide, Part I, we chat with Fire Capt. Scott Shaunfield, a first responder with almost 30 years of experience. Captain Shaunfield shares that despite the years of service, one can never “get used” to seeing tragedy. At best, First Responders cope with what they’ve seen, at worst they may become victims themselves. Emergency Calls and Suicide Capt. Shaunfield gave us an insight of what it is like for …

You Never “Get Used To It”: First Responders & Suicide Attempts Read More »

We have frequently featured “myths about suicide” in on Leaving the Valley.  In “Episode 62: Myth BUSTED — No One Will Miss Me When I’m Gone”, we look at a belief than many suicidal people may tell themselves. This is of course, completely false. You will be missed. No matter what circumstances are leading to thoughts of suicide, there is simply no way your absence won’t be noticed. Humans are incredibly interdependent. That is why, …

Complicated Grief of Suicide Read More »

In Episode 61: 988 – The Conversation Continues, Part II, we discuss the use of police in a mental health crisis. Police are often called when a person’s behavior is deemed “scary or unsafe.” In some examples, the reason for that behavior is because the person is suffering from a mental health condition. Police have frequent contact with those suffering from a mental illness. It is estimated that 20% of police activity is spent on …

Better Policing Policies for Mental Illness Read More »

In Episode 60: 988 — The Conversation Continues, we responded to an online post that was shared with us by a member of our audience. This post questioned how the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline worked. In some ways, it seemingly discouraged people from using it. We have a lot of thoughts about the comments made in the post. However, we also felt like there could be benefit in re-examining what the role of crisis hotlines …

What Exactly Is 988? Read More »

There’s a big change affecting everyone in the US, but especially those who work in suicide and crisis intervention! The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a new number (and a new name too– it’s now the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.) That number is 988. In episode 59 : We Call 988, we talk about the many reasons this is significant. A 3-digit number is a lot easier to remember than a 1-800 number, for example. …

Texting to Save a Life Read More »